The first edition of the"Epitome" in 1577, a reduced format atlas, with minature maps of Abraham Ortelius's "Theatrum" is believed to have been the initiative of the engraver Phillip Galle who asked Peter Heyns to write the text. Ortelius had fled to England in 1576 having taken refuge there from Spanish oppression, and may have been unaware of the plan of his two friends. The pocket atlas was a a commmercial success and was reprinted several times with Galle adding many new maps, and replacing some. Jan. Baptist, Vrients bought the rights and plates of the Epitome from Phillip Galle in 1601, . he published 4 editions using the Galle plates of which this is the first, with Latin text.
Koeman Ort58; Phillips 413; 79 by 110mm (3 by 4¼ inches).
ref: 1371 €50